What I've Learned While Using My Lifted Truck As A Daily-Driver

In this video, I discuss certain things that I have learned while using my lifted 2014 Toyota Tundra, Platiunum, CrewMax as a daily driver. If you're considering lifting your truck, I hope that you find this video helpful. If you've already lifted your truck, let me know if there are any points that I haven't touched on (that you've experienced). If this video was either useful or entertaining, please subscribe, like, and share. Thank you!!
The full modification list at the time of filming:
- Lift: 6" Rough Country Lift
- Wheels: 20" x 10" XD820 Grenades, Satin Black, with a -24mm offset
- Tires: Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT, 285/60R20 (or 33.5" x 11.2")
- Step Up Bars: NFAB Nerf Bars
- Fender Flares: Tyger Auto amzn.to/4bAHRBE (Amazon)
- Exhaust: Borla Touring Cat-Back
- Muffler Delete
- Two Carven R-Series (3") Mufflers installed onto the Borla Touring Catback Exhaust amzn.to/3QZUXQl (Amazon)
- Pedal Commander, Throttle Response Controller amzn.to/3yCNJLZ (Amazon)
- AFE Power Cold Air Intake (51-81172, Magnum Force, Stage 2)
- Tail Light Housings: Autowiki LED DRL Tail Lights amzn.to/4dT5Z3Q (Amazon)
- Tail Light LED Reverse Bulb amzn.to/3wHloUi (Amazon)
- Headlight Bulbs: Sealight H4 9003 HBZ LED Bulbs amzn.to/44VUaWm (Amazon)
- Fog Lamp Bulbs: Sealight H11, H8, H9 LED Bulbs amzn.to/3VcOowm (Amazon)
- GM-Style Tow Mirrors: amzn.to/3VfTXu4 (Amazon)
- Toyota-Style Tow Mirrors: amzn.to/44ZxHrN (Amazon)
- Radio Antenna: Rydonair 13" amzn.to/4bxCHWW (Amazon)
- Color-matching door handles: 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of base paint (magnetic grey), 4 to 6 coats of acrylic clear coat
- Blacking Out Grille and Badges: 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of base paint (black sand pearl), 4 to 6 coats of acrylic clear coat

[@frandyjoseph2870]

I love the way this guy gets to the point with the video dawg loll keep working bro ✊🏿💯

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video, man! I appreciate the feed back. This is an on-going project, so there's more to come!

[@thedailyunbreaded317]

Wow, under 800 subscribers and the video quality is great right out of the gate. Clear, concise and good editing. 👍🏻

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching AND thanks for the feedback, man!! Are you a Tundra owner, as well?

[@paullee4014]

Great video and super well organized! Keep it going!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for your feedback! Much appreciated. Make sure to check out the PART 2 video on Driving A Lifted Truck As A Daily. Lots of good info in there! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@kevinmckinney9524]

Great video man damn! Just got a Tundra, again, it’s lifted and everything you’ve said are my same thoughts.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Congrats on the 2nd Tundra!!! Great trucks, no matter what you do them. Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@JBTWIN286]

Great video and straight to the point. The video was very useful

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching AND thanks for the feedback! I hope that you enjoy PART 2 to this video, as well.

[@brewbee418]

2011 Tunrda w/6" readylift. 35x12.5x20 so I relate. I need to go slow turning into level changes and expect the rub sound. Backing up is the same. Get comments all the time at gas stations or out and about. People do notice! Enjoy your videos. Enjoy that truck!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Hey, Brewbee. I really appreciate you following the channel and liking some of the videos. That is a HUGE help for this channel!!!! Your tires are bigger than mine. I've got 33's now, but I'll be joining you next year with 35's. I'll make sure that my garage performs a body-mount-chop in the wheel well, so that there is very little or no rubbing at all once the new tires are on. Your truck sounds great from the description!

[@jamesking6754]

Thanks 🙏🏽 this was awesome

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! I appreciate that.

[@ethanlaursen9187]

Great video man

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback. That truck is a labor of love!

[@miketriggiano983]

Great video! Thanks!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@nitro_1986]

Great truck! You just got a new subscriber.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Niiiiiiiice!!! Thanks for the sub and the like, man! That's a HUGE help!!!

[@Wiggiz43]

Nice ! I have a 2021 Toyota tundra with a brush guard on the front. I'm thinking about lifting it and put bigger tires on man. Thank you for the great advice.❤

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video, man. That's a BIG help for the channel! Good luck with your build ... oh, and check out the Part 2 video of "Driving A Lifted As A Daily." 👍🏾

[@demiankeaough4616]

Good video, lot's of information without going on and on.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video, and for your feedback, Demian! Later on I'll have to make another "What I've Learned" video, because I could have had more points on this first one. It would have been too long (for most) people if I talked about EVERYTHING in this video. It's probably better to make three 5-minute videos than one 15-minute video. The support is appreciated!

[@luismarcial1408]

Very important info.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! Check out the Part 2 video (that probably has more important points).

[@wmleatherwood]

Great video. Wish I saw it years ago

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! Much appreciated. Make sure to check PART 2 of the series. I'm guessing that you have a lifted truck too.

[@fadianaee7422]

Keep going nice videos. Thank you brother.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! I appreciate that. I have MUCH more coming. I'm guessing that you're a Tundra owner too.

[@fadianaee7422]

@@toyotaFANatic81 sure 2015 SR5

[@toyotaFANatic81]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@rross124]

Great video! I have a 2016 Tundra lifted. All your points are right on! Looking to put smoked taillights on mine. Are you willing to share what brand you have? They look great

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video, man!!! Much appreciated. It's good to get feedback from another lifted Tundra owner. My tail lights are Smoked LEDs. Since I bought them from a 3rd Party Seller on EBay, they actually don't have a brand name. If you go on EBay and enter your Tundra in the search filter, you will see the ones that I have plus a few more. I hope that helps.

[@donnovicki4104]

I went to Denver from Pennsylvania in Aug 2022 and bought a super clean but high mileage 2nd gen with 213k on it. Traded in my rust bucket 2013 Silverado and haven't looked back since then. I wish I would have made the switch sooner. You truck is bad ass....

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video and thanks for the compliment, man!! What's the biggest difference that you've seen between the Silverado and the Tundra so far?

[@vidalmaldonado5416]

Great video!! One thing i absolutely hated on my truck was the loss of almost half my turning radius. I think that is a HUGE deal if you are considering a 4 inch or above lift kit.(anything with a knuckle replacement). EVERYONE who drove my truck would complain about how it took a lot more effort to get in and out of tight places/drive thrus (I would totally avoid inner city/downtown driving in my truck). Ideally a QUALITY 2.5-3.5 inch lift kit with upper control arm replacements is the way to go. You keep your factory steering radius and ride. At that height diff drops are key if you have 4wd to maintain proper cv angles. And the upper controls arms will correct harsh ball joint angles. Tundra’s are great because you can also squeeze 35s with a 3 inch lift with relatively light modifications. The other thing I don’t think was touched on is tire maintenance. Align wheels and Balance your tires frequently. lifted trucks will destroy these expensive tires if not maintained properly. Once the tires start getting choppy there really is no going back! The last thing is invest in a Quality tire! There is no sense of spending a ton of money on suspension when you’re tires can make or break your ride quality. Personally I stick with bfg but nitto/Toyo/falken make great AT/RT/MT tires as well! Hope this advice helps anyone making the tough choice! Cheers!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching. I agree with your advice. I knew that there were other points that I left out, but unfortunately no one wants to watch a twenty minute video with ALL of the good points. Personally, with my set up, I still have 80% of my turning radius. Definitely less turning radius, but much more than half. Also, I just had to adapt to the new driving mechanics and I was fine. My truck feels normal now (it's a new normal). Once you know what to expect from the truck, you drive accordingly. The nice thing about a full lift like mine is that the geometry of the components is basically the same as stock. The truck rides smoothly. I was actually very happy (and surprised) at how smooth the steering and overall feel was on the truck after lifting it. I also agree with you that 2" or 3" spacers with new upper control arms is a good (and less expensive) way to go. Thanks again for watching! 👍🏾

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Hey, Vidal. I gave you a shout out for your good points on my 2nd "Lifted As A Daily" (Part 2). Thanks, man!!!

[@wmleatherwood]

Yup turning radius is terrible

[@ajfaithful7012]

I am a new lifted truck owner and want to learn my vehicle. My truck is a 2021 Toyota Tundra Platinum. I would like to learn about lift kits and learn my truck mechanically since it came with the lift kit and other after market upgrades. Thank you for your videos.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Hey, man! Thank you for your feedback and thank you for supporting the channel. I'm always trying to learn more about my Tundra, as well! You said that you bought your Tundra lifted? Which kit was it (Rough Country, BDS)?

[@muskokaboiljefe9458]

Very cool video I’m going to get a 6inch lift kit on my 2021 Ltd

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thank you! Enjoy your lift, Man!!! Then come the wheels and tires. Let me know how it goes. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@jackrpool]

Awesome video! I went from a 4runner to a tundra as well. Other than the suv / truck differences, I found the Tundra cab way more comfortable with the additional headroom @ 6'4. Its unfortunate the new Tundras went to turbo V6's, nothing beats the longevity & reliability of the natural aspirated Toyota V8.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching, Man! 6'4", eh? Upgrading from the 4Runner to the Tundra was a SMART decision. From what I can tell, the new Tundras are better in just about every way (torque, horse power, fuel efficiency, creature comforts, etc). As for the turboed engine, we'll know in a few years. It'll take some time before the jury's out on that one.

[@TheShowtime85]

It’s not their choice really it’s the damn government and their emission regulations.

[@georgioantoine4194]

Cool content. Where’d you get the tow mirrors?

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, Man! I appreciate that. I got the GM-style tow mirrors from Amazon (Lejuntec brand). Check my "Evolution" and "Update" videos and you'll see the full list of each modification. Thanks for supporting the channel. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@leitnertrucking661]

Daily driving is a little more challenging when in tighter places with my 6-inch on 35

[@toyotaFANatic81]

I know what you mean. The good news is that we get REALLY good at it over time ... and then any other vehicle is easy to drive!

[@jrzyboy99]

Great information. Truck looks great 👍! I have a 2020 same color, looking forward to getting my lift. BDS 7” Fox coil over unfortunately BDS is 10-14 weeks to ship! 🤦‍♂️ What size and offset are your wheels? Liked and subbed!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Hey, man!!! I can't thank you enough for subbing and liking - that's a HUGE help. Much appreciated. Oh ... thanks for the compliment on the truck. It's a labor of love! Wheels: XD 830 Grenades (20"x10", -24 mm offset) Tires: 285/60R20 (or 33.5" x 11.5") Sorry about the wait on the BDS lift. Supply Chain issues are the worst. At least you know that you'll be getting a quality lift 👌🏾

[@jrzyboy99]

@@toyotaFANatic81 thanks for the quick reply…no worries watching some of your other videos, you put out good no fluff content! Saw on your 4Runner you are running spacers, just had a friend have the upper ball joint fail on a 1 year old Silverado because of her spacer. Not preaching just for safety check your ball joints periodically with the spacers. 👍👍👍

[@toyotaFANatic81]

@@jrzyboy99 I appreciate the warning on the spacers. I actually sold the 4Runner back in 2020. I kept the videos on the channel because I knew that they might still be helpful for people with the same generation (5th gen) of 4Runner. Yes, I did check the on the suspension components periodically. Good advice!

[@malachi487]

The truck looks great. But what I want to know is- once lifted- can get in and out of traffic (the way I do now) without too much roll (being higher up)? I'm considering only a 3" lift.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! I have zero issues merging in and out of traffic, and my ride feels about 80% stock. A lower turning radius and slightly stiffer suspension are the only differences for me. I have a 6" lift. With a 3" level, you may not even be able to feel a difference in your truck's ride.

[@malachi487]

@@toyotaFANatic81 Thank you sir- much appreciated.

[@israelortega1722]

also get used to visiting the alignment shop more often thatn use to

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Yep! You're right, man! Thanks for watching. Check out the PART 2 video. You'll probably like it.

[@israelortega1722]

how often do you take it in?

[@toyotaFANatic81]

About 2x/year

[@UncleFjester]

*3:55** They said I'd get used to my old lady getting fat, but I never did and left her for a smaller model!*

[@toyotaFANatic81]

🤣🤣🤣 Sometimes that's the smart move. Thanks for watching the video, man!!!

[@kevinhill5531]

Have a lifted SUV and looking at trucks and my biggest concern is loading and unloading the bed think loose mulch or just stuff. I'm only 5'10 lol

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video!!! I'm only 5'11", so I'm in the same boat as you. As long as you're careful, you can get away with loading or unloading just about anything in the bed. 👍🏾

[@bismarkpeloche3775]

High hills 😂😂. Just kidding.😂

[@jameslovitt994]

I would imagine anything taller than 4" would be cumbersome if you actually use your truck for work.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

@@jameslovitt994 I guess it depends on the person. I've actually seen quite a few trucks with 6" and 8" lifts used for work (welding, hauling, towing, etc).

[@manegrindshard]

I'm interested in knowing the good and bad about the wheel spacers you have and are they reliable for daily usage

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Hey, man! Thanks for watching the video. Much appreciated. I don't have any wheel spacers on the Tundra. The wheels have enough of a negative offset that they stick out of the fender about 4" on their own. Now, on my previous vehicle (the 4Runner), I did have spacers. I had no issues with them because 1) I made sure that they were hub-centric before I bought them; 2) I installed them properly; and 3) I checked the torque on them every couple of months. Wheel spacers are reliable for everyday use as long as they're installed properly and checked periodically. In this particular video, when I use the word "spacer" it refers to the hockey puck looking disc that gets placed on the top of the strut assembly with 2" or 3" lifts. My Tundra also has a spacer above the strut assembly. It's 6" and its more block-shaped than disc-shaped. Since that 6" spacer would normally shift all of the suspension components out of their original position, the rest of the hardware that comes with my lift (steering knuckles, drop bracket, etc.), ensures that everything is back in the right position. I hope this long-winded answer made sense and/or helped in some way.

[@manegrindshard]

@@toyotaFANatic81 made perfect sense, thanks bruh. Your videos are one of the reasons I decided to get my tundra.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks a lot, man!! Glad to be of some help.

[@jameslovitt994]

​@@manegrindshard I've ran wheel spacers for years, and as mentioned, if installed correctly, they're perfectly fine. invest in quality, proven spacers like Bora or Spidertrax, they must be hub AND lug centric for our trucks. I run 35's on stock 18's with a 3" lift. (1.5" Bora spacers)

[@MikeMurphyinc]

Why do you have to take it in so often for alignments? And what lift do you have that doesn't affect ride quality? Mine is a 6" Rough Country and it's bumpy as hell...

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching the video! I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability. 1) The more often a person goes off road, the more often they will have to get an alignment. Rough terrain is hell on suspension systems. Even if you're strictly on pavement, it will be in your best interest to get an alignment yearly because most 4", 6", and 8" lifts add extra components to the suspension (more chances of misalignment). Hitting potholes or going up onto curbs - both of which are impossible to avoid completely - can easily throw your alignment off (if the contact is hard enough). A lifted truck will always go out of alignment more often than a stock truck. 2) My 6" Rough County Lift is pretty smooth. Yes, it's a touch stiffer than stock, but not by much. The turning radius is reduced by 20%, but the actual smoothness of the turning is just like stock. If your suspension feels really, really rough, you should probably get it checked out. Also, you can replace certain components like upper control arms, tie-rod ends, or better struts to make the ride smoother. I hope all of that makes sense and helps.

[@MikeMurphyinc]

@@toyotaFANatic81 thanks for the answers. I bought my truck lifted so I don't know what it was like before. I wouldn't have it any other way though I love it!

[@toyotaFANatic81]

@Mike Murphy I know what you mean! I'm never going back to a stock pick up again!!!

[@josea3312]

Looks good What size tire?

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks, man! They are 33" tires wrapped around 20" wheels. I appreciate you watching the video!

[@KeystoneTexan]

Good looking truck! I drive a 2018 Limited Crew Max 4wd

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Niiiiiiiice!

[@KeystoneTexan]

@@toyotaFANatic81 mine has the TRD Off Road Package

[@toyotaFANatic81]

@@KeystoneTexan That means you paid good $$$ for it!

[@delopeorZo]

Tail lights info please

[@toyotaFANatic81]

Thanks for watching. The taillights that I currently have on the truck are Smoked LED Tail Lights. There's no brand name because I purchased them from a third-party seller on EBay. Just go on EBay, put your vehicle in the search filter, and type on 'tail lights.' You'll find mine plus a few more styles.

[@jameslovitt994]

resale value, people tend to overlook "modified" vehicles in favor of stock vehicles. not everyone appreciates your appearance modifications.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

You're not wrong. I look at it this way: 1) It's a Toyota, so I already have resale value on my side 2) I expect to have this truck for a LOOOOOONG time, and I don't consider it an appreciating asset like a stock. It's a project and I still have a number of things I want to do with it. 3) I'll probably end up selling it to someone that WANTS a lifted truck. It probably will not be a random sale. I don't disagree with you, I just have different thoughts about it.

[@toyotaFANatic81]

By the way, thanks for watching the video!! Much appreciated!

[@Legend-jv7nd]

ᴘʀᴏᴍᴏsᴍ

[@toyotaFANatic81]

👍🏾